Training Course on “Skill Development of the Farmers of Balochistan” at NARC

Islamabad (December 16)…. The Agriculture Policytech Institute (API) of Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) organized a training course for 5th batch of 89 small farmers of Balochistan under RADP Sub-Project “Skill Development of the Farmers of Balochistan” at National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) Islamabad for capacity building of the farmers in the area of crop sciences, horticulture, agri-mechanization, water resources, animal sicences and value addition.

The Federal Minister for National Food Secuirty and Research Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan while addressing on the occasion of Closing and Certificate Distribution Ceremoney of 5th Batch Training Course under “Skill Development of the Farmers of Balochistan” at NARC said that after the 18th amendment the agriculture subject has been transferred to provinces but the Federal Government gives special focus to small farmers of Balochistan Province to improve their livelihood through development of agro-livestock activities in the province. He said under the on-going skill development program, 1000 farmers would be trainined from Balochistan Province. He said for the welfare of farming community the federal govt has taken variuos steps to reduce the cost of production to make the agricutlure more profitable.

Federal Minister has annouced that after the completion of this skill development project of 1000 small farmers, an other programme would also be iniaited for training of more 1000 farmers of the Balochistan province. He urged the farmers to approach the provincial govt to prepare proposal for development of agriculture sector in Balochistan. Federal Govt will also fully support it, he added. He also highlited the project of installation of solar tubewells in the country including share of Balochistan province to over come the issue of shortage of water for agriculture use.

Acting Chairman PARC Dr. Nadeem Amjad and Director General NARC Dr. Muhammad Azeem Khan have also addressed the participates and assured them all type of cooperation from PARC at federal level for their capacity building to manage agro-livestock on modern lines.

Director (API) briefed about the training. He said that so far 515 farmers out of 1000 have been trained in various disciplies of agriculture. He said there are some important things which include improved seed, animal breeds, management and environment besides other factors for the improvement of agro-livestock productivity. He said they are producing agri-service providers at national level so that they can provide services to other farmaer of their local area to achieve the national goal of food secuirty and poverty reduction in the country.

On behalf of participants, Khudad, Amir Ullah from Qila Saifullah, Sheikh Muhammad Ashraf from Zhob and Mansoor have also expressed their views. They appreciated the efforts of Federal Minister for NFS&R and role of PARC to holding this special skill development programme for them. They also shared their core problems with Minister and scientists for future planning and solution.